Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I have received apologies from Deputy O'Sullivan. I welcome to the meeting from the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, Ms Aoife MacEvily, the chairperson; Dr. Paul McGowan and Mr. Jim Gannon, both commissioners who are also very welcome; Ms Karen Kavanagh, the director of economic regulation and compliance; and Mr. John Melvin, director of energy markets and smart metering. They are all very welcome to today's meeting. I thank them for coming before us.

Before we begin I will read out the note on privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses, or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity.

If the statements of witnesses are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex. In that regard, I ask all member who are joining via Microsoft Teams to confirm prior to making their contribution that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I invite Ms MacEvilly to make her opening statement.